And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie

A few weeks ago some students in grade 7 were trying to decide on books to use for novel studies. Several groups wanted to use this book, based on its description as one of the best mystery stories of all time. So many wanted to read it that we didn't have enough copies at our school and we needed to borrow some from other schools. They were so excited about it, that I wanted to see what all the fuss was about.

You see, I'd never actually read an Agatha Christie book before. I don't often read mysteries, because I when I can't solve them I stay up all night reading them and I'm far too old for that sort of thing now.

And this one sucked me right in. This is the story of 10 strangers who are all, through various means, invited to stay at a mysterious island. Once they arrive it is discovered that each person has at some point in their life been responsible for the death of another person (or people) in a way that the law can't possibly get involved. Has the time finally come for them to pay the ultimate price for their actions?

Suddenly, one by one, they start dying. Who is killing them? Who brought them all there? Will anyone survive?

It's no surprise this is considered to be one of the best mystery stories of all time. Agatha Christie's storytelling is superb, the elements of the mystery are fun and engaging. You will be wondering "whodunnit" the whole time and still turning some questions over in your mind once you are done.

One caution I will make is that this book was originally published in 1939, so some racial/cultural terms are used that are no longer appropriate.

If summer ever comes, this would be a fun beach/vacation read. If it doesn't come, it sure helped me get through a cold rainy weekend. It's a fun read that you will not want to put down until you're done.

A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle

Although this is a classic children's book, I had somehow escaped reading it. I know a lot of people love it and with the movie being released I wanted to give it a read.

It's just not my thing. Maybe it's a bit too science-fictiony for me. I just didn't love it. Darcy really wants to see the movie and we'll probably see it at some point, but I don't think I'll go on to read the rest of the series.

This is the story of Meg Murry, a young lady who doesn't seem to fit in. She is bright, but not in a way that does well in school. She doesn't have a lot of friends and is constantly in trouble. Life at home is pretty good with her mom and three brothers. Her dad, however, is a scientist who is doing special work for the government and all communication from him has mysteriously stopped. The family doesn't know where he is or what has happened to him. Everyone in town thinks he has left them but Meg knows that isn't true.

Her youngest brother, Charles Wallace, strikes up a friendship with some ladies who live in a "haunted house" not far from the Murry's house. While visiting the ladies, Meg and Charles Wallace meet Calvin, a popular boy from Meg's school. Meg, Charles Wallace and Calvin suddenly find themselves on an incredible adventure, with the help of Mrs. Whatsit, Mrs. Who and Mrs. Which, the ladies from the haunted house. Will it lead them to finding Meg's dad? Where has he been all this time? Is he safe? Will they be safe?

I'm not a lover of science fiction and this was too much in that genre for my liking. However I loved the characters. You just want to pick Charles Wallace up and squeeze him. And you are constantly rooting for Meg to see her worth and realize all she can achieve. She is a fantastic female lead character, a great role model for young readers.

While I was reading the book, Darcy and Wesley read the graphic novel version and both loved it. The art is beautiful and much of the story is kept intact. It's a great alternative, but the rest of the series doesn't seem to be released in graphic novel format yet.

As with any classic, I'm glad I've read it. It won't be one I return to over and over, but I'm still glad to have read it once.